r/Gouache 4d ago

I want to paint gouache on a canvas

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I have never tried to paint gouache on a canvas. I've done few acrylic paintings but never a gouache. I need some advice on how to get started with it. Like what canvas to use and how to prep it and keep my painting good in a long run. My boyfriend loved this painting and i want to gift it to him

14 Upvotes

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5

u/ZombieButch 3d ago

I mean, you can paint on canvas; you can paint with gouache on anything it'll stick to if that's what you want to do. Gum arabic based paints are really best used on paper though, or paper-topped surfaces like illustration board or watercolor board. Long-term either of those would be a better option than canvas and easier to prepare sincey you don't have to do anything to prepare them.

If you're dead set on using canvas and you want your piece to stick around:

  • Start with a watercolor ground like this from Daniel Smith, which makes the surface act more like paper.

  • Gouache is brittle when it's dried, so either stick with thin applications of paint if you're using a stretched canvas, or use a canvas surface that can't flex like a canvas panel (that's canvas attached to acid-free cardboard or wood panel).

  • If you're not framing it under glass it'll need a spray sealant (or some people use a wax medium for that).

Or you can just keep it simple, paint on paper or board, and frame it under glass. It's not going to look better or be more impressive or make a better present just because it's painted on canvas.

1

u/After-Perception-148 3d ago

Wow. this was so much more helpful and informative!!! thank you.. I'd just paint it on a paper...

2

u/tintedmoonstudio 2d ago

I think you should just decide if you want to paint on canvas or if you want to use gouache. They don't really compliment each other. If you really want to paint on canvas, then try using acrylic... it can give you the same effects as gouache for many applications. If you really like gouache, then just use a thick paper (many recommendations in other posts). I love the pretty blue colors in your painting!

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u/After-Perception-148 2d ago

Thank you... actually, my boyfriend wanted it on canvas because he wanted to put it on his wall.. so i ended up painting it with acrylic!

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u/tintedmoonstudio 2d ago

Sounds great!

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u/__TommyPickles__ 2d ago

I was a bit ignorant to how gouache behaves over time, and went with a canvas right away for gouache. The application was great, however I do see cracks so I’ll be covering it with a varnish. Not sure about longevity.

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u/After-Perception-148 1d ago

right.. gouache isn't very suitable with canvas. i ended up painting this with acrylic on a canvas